This is a true story of a woman named Lillie Shockney, who has had
"the unique opportunity to experience breast cancer from three
different perspectives: as a teenager who watched the impact of a
diagnosis of breast cancer on someone (she) loved and feared losing;
as a registered nurse who cared for women treated for the disease; and
as a woman who became a mastectomy patient."

The majority of the book is devoted to Shockney's personal account
of her own experience. With candid honesty, she tells of the fear and
uncertainty while awaiting the results of her biopsy, and the shock
upon hearing the confirmation of the diagnosis of breast cancer.
Shockney is fortunate to be supported by a wonderful husband, a bright
daughter, caring family members and friends, and a loyal group of
co-workers. Perhaps one of the most touching moments in the book
comes when Shockney has just returned to her room following the
mastectomy and reads a poem written for her by her 12 year old
daughter Laura:

Appearance

Nobody's perfect;
Just look at me
But if you really think about it
Who wants to be?

Beauty and glamour
Are nice to get
But it's what's inside that counts;
You must never forget

I hope you understand
What I've been trying to say
I hope you get well soon
And I love you more and more each day

With that, Shockney starts on her road to recovery.

Humor is used extensively throughout the book. With the logic that
her prosthesis was going to become a family member and would be
spending a lot of time with her, Shockney decides to name it. "Her
name is Betty - Betty Boob to be precise." She also names her
prosthesis for swimming - her name is Esther (as in Williams). Humor
is also used when Shockney describes the games that she and her
husband created to ease the nervousness that each felt as they began
to resume intimate relations.

There are special chapters in the book designed to address specific
issues and concerns. In "The Parent's Chapter" Shockney's parents
individually describe their feelings, thoughts, and emotions
associated with their daughter's diagnosis. In "Helpful Hints for
Breast Cancer Patients, their Families, and Concerned Friends"
Shockney offers practical advise on helping the woman to retain her
femininity and womanliness, provides a list of resources that will
benefit the breast cancer patient and information that is valuable to
the husband/significant sweetie, and concludes with a list of DOs and
DON'Ts for the woman about to undergo a mastectomy.

Shockney delivers a powerful message about the importance of
preventive care and she encourages people to move from being watchers
to being doers in the fight against breast cancer.

This is a very honest and touching look at one woman's experience
with breast cancer. Not only can it be a source of inspiration to
many other women diagnosed with the disease, but can also provide
invaluable insights for spouses, significant others, parents, family
members, friends and co-workers.